Letters-Critical of district

Dear Editor,

I never planned to be a teacher. Then in 1998, Linda Walbrun and Bob Benoy talked me into it. Thanks! Beginning with emergency certification, seven years later I was National Board Certified with an MA in Teaching. There are 24 NBCT German teachers in the country and one in Wisconsin (me).

I appreciate the encouragement, guidance and support of principals Dan Koch and Ed Lucas during my career. I appreciate the students for fueling my passion to teach. The German Department in the MS and HS is one of the best in the country - solid and dynamic. I leave it in the capable hands of my stellar colleagues.

I would be able to retire next year, but I won’t because I quit this year. Here’s why. The environment in the Hudson School District is repressive and dictatorial. Teachers are highly trained professionals. This important and valuable resource is wasted with a top down managerial style and micromanagement. The superintendent may have some good ideas, but she does not involve stakeholders and let things develop organically with their input. Everything is force fed.

There is little background in the field of education amongst the members of the board of education. Therefore, they are dependent on the superintendent. Knowledge is power. Administration is top heavy over on Brakke Drive, and not gender balanced. I suspect that there is little tolerance for dissension. Anyone not on the same page will disappear at the earliest convenience. Anyone who stays will be walking in lock step, or at least making that appearance to the master puppeteer.

I appreciate the Hudson community’s support over the years. I have walked a mile in the shoes of a teacher. It’s not what it looks like from the outside. For those who are negative toward teachers, I suggest redirecting that energy to help find ways for constructive improvement starting at the top. As a member of this community, that is what I plan to do.

Judy Wyatt-Schlei, Hudson

Tags: opinion, letters, education